MT 3-101. Use of Force in Defense of a Person

State: Montana

Montana Criminal Jury Instructions (M.C.J.I.) 2009 (2017 Supp.)

Chapter 3. Justifiable Use of Force

MT 3-101.  Use of Force in Defense of a Person

A person is justified in the use of force or threat to use force when and to the extent that he/she reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend [himself/herself] [another] against the imminent use of unlawful force.

However, a person is justified in the use of force which is intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily harm only if he/she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent [imminent death or serious bodily harm] to [himself/herself] [another] or [commission of a forcible felony].